U.S. Steel confirms layoffs; some to return

LORAIN — U.S. Steel will lay off staff at its Lorain Tubular Operations, according to the company.
It appeared the layoffs were caused by market fluctuations and by the need to make upgrades within the mill, said Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer, who spoke with company representatives.
U.S. Steel spokeswoman Sarah Cassella confirmed the layoffs.
“We continually review and analyze business conditions and the impact they have on our customers,” said a statement from U.S. Steel. “As a result of business conditions we are adjusting production at our Lorain Tubular Operations.
“While we have made every effort to maintain employment levels at our operations; unfortunately we must now adjust our work force to match our production levels,” the company statement said. “The United Steelworkers have been notified. We cannot speculate on future business decisions at this time.”
Ritenauer estimated the cuts would affect about 50 people. The city administration hopes any market fluctuations will taper off and the steelworkers will return to the mill, which makes pipe used in oil and gas production.
United Steel Workers Local 1104 President Pro Tem Tom McDermott was not available for comment on Feb. 25.
For months, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Sen. Rob Portman have supported domestic steelmakers’ efforts to get federal regulators to fine companies importing Chinese steel that undercuts the prices of American producers.
This month, the lawmakers announced the U.S. Department of Commerce ruled it would maintain antidumping duties and countervailing duties on Chinese steel pipe imports.
The move protects steelmakers, including U.S. Steel and Vallourec Star, according to Brown and Portman.
The senators previously urged the Department of Commerce to rule in favor of domestic steel manufacturers on a petition regarding product coverage for duties ordered on Oil Country Tubular Goods, or OCTG, from China.